Air conditioner

ABSTRACT

Tools, methods and systems for detecting and reporting the presence of an obstruction to an AC system of the present disclosure are able to detect the presence of the obstruction using one or more sensors connected to the air conditioning unit and displaying an alert on the computer system of the AC system when the sensors detect the presence of the obstruction. By displaying an alert at the computer system&#39;s output device, the presence of the obstruction is brought to the user&#39;s attention, allowing the user to take remedial action as needed before initiating the air conditioning system into operation, preventing the obstruction from harming the components of AC system if the system was initiated while the obstruction was still present. Additionally, the AC system may further disable or prevent the operation and initiation of itself when the sensors of the air conditioning system detect the presence of an obstruction.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to air conditioner systems andmethods for detecting and reporting the presence of an obstruction tothe air conditioner system.

BACKGROUND

During the winter months, people generally engage in the practice ofcovering their air conditioning (AC) devices. This practice is oftenperformed in areas of the country that may be prone to receiving heavysnow or other inclement weather patterns. The practice of covering an ACdevice from being exposed to so harsh exterior climates may protect theAC device from building up snow, ice, dirt, dust and debris, includingdebris from trees and leaves. The buildup of climate undesirableenvironmental obstructions may harm moving parts or become lodged inexhaust ports of the AC device. This in turn may lead to malfunctioningof the motors and other parts, necessitating replacement. However,obstructions that may harm moving parts or the presence of the cover maynot be visible from the point where a user initiates the AC device. Auser, unaware that an obstruction may unknowingly attempt to initializethe AC device thus causing damage to the AC device or cause the ACdevice to operate improperly.

SUMMARY

A first embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method fordetecting and reporting a presence of an obstruction to an airconditioning device comprising the steps of receiving, by a sensordevice connected to the air conditioning system and a central processingunit (CPU), a request to initialize a sensor of the sensor device;establishing, by the sensor device, in response to the request toinitialize, a baseline detection signal further establishing a detectionzone; identifying, by the sensor device, an alteration to the baselinedetection signal within the detection zone; transmitting, by the sensordevice, a reporting signal to the CPU, wherein the reporting signalswitches a reporting state of an output device from unobstructed toobstructed.

A second embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computersystem, comprising a CPU; a memory device coupled to the CPU; an airconditioning device having a sensor device coupled to the CPU of thecomputer system and a computer readable storage device coupled to theCPU, wherein the storage device contains program code executable by theCPU via the memory device to implement a method for reporting a presenceof an obstruction to the air conditioning device comprising the steps ofreceiving, by a sensor device connected to the air conditioning systemand a central processing unit (CPU), a request to initialize a sensor ofthe sensor device; establishing, by the sensor device, in response tothe request to initialize, a baseline detection signal furtherestablishing a detection zone; identifying, by the sensor device, analteration to the baseline detection signal within the detection zone;transmitting, by the sensor device, a reporting signal to the CPU,wherein the reporting signal switches a reporting state of an outputdevice from unobstructed to obstructed.

A third embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer programproduct comprising a computer-readable storage device; and acomputer-readable program code stored in the computer-readable storagedevice, the computer-readable program code containing instructions thatare executed by a central processing unit (CPU) of an air conditioningsystem implementing a method for reporting a presence of an obstructionto an air conditioning device, the method comprising the steps of:receiving, by the air conditioning system, a request to initialize asensor of a sensor device; establishing, by a sensor of the airconditioning system, in response to the request to initialize, abaseline detection signal further establishing a detection zone;identifying, by the air conditioning system, an alteration to thebaseline detection signal within the detection zone; switching, by theair conditioning system, a reporting state of an output device fromunobstructed to obstructed as a function of the identifying step.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of an airconditioning device.

FIG. 1b depicts a partial cutaway view of the air conditioning device ofFIG. 1a

FIG. 2 depicts an isometric view of the embodiment of an airconditioning device equipped with a cover.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of an air conditioning system.

FIG. 4a depicts an embodiment of a computer system reporting an airconditioner device in a covered state.

FIG. 4b depicts an embodiment of a computer system reporting an airconditioner device in an uncovered state.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of an airconditioning system consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of anair conditioning system consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart of an embodiment of a method forreporting the presence of an obstruction to an air conditioning system.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a method for detecting the presenceof an obstruction to the air conditioning system.

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a computer systemconsistent with the disclosure of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Embodiments of the present disclosure recognize that the presence of anobstruction to an air conditioning system, mainly an obstruction to theair conditioning device itself may hinder the operation of the airconditioning system. A computer system controlling the operation of theair conditioning device may not be within a visual line of sight to theair conditioning device. A user that is unable to visually inspect theair conditioning system prior to initiation of the air conditioningdevice, may be unaware of or may have forgotten about the presence of anobstruction, such as fallen debris or a protective covering. Currentlyavailable air conditioning systems do not have the capabilities fordetecting the presence of an obstruction to air conditioning systems,nor do currently available systems provide a means for reporting ordisplaying the presence of an obstruction to the computer systemcontrolling air conditioning system.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide tools, methods and systemsfor detecting and reporting the presence of an obstruction to an airconditioning system directly at the point of user interaction at acontrolling computer system integrated into or connected to the airconditioning system. Embodiments of the present disclosure are able todetect the presence of the obstruction using one or more sensorsconnected to the air conditioning unit and displaying an alert on thecomputer system's output device when the sensors detect the presence ofthe obstruction. By displaying an alert at the computer system's outputdevice, the presence of the obstruction is brought to the user'sattention, allowing the user to take remedial action as needed, beforeinitiating the air conditioning system into operation. Furthermore, thecurrent application recognizes that in some instances, the presence ofan obstruction may harm an air conditioning system if the system wasinitiated while the obstruction was still present. Embodiments of thepresent disclosure may further disable or prevent the operation andinitiation of the air conditioning system when the sensors of the airconditioning system detect the presence of an obstruction.

Air Conditioning System

Although certain embodiments are shown and described in detail, itshould be understood that various changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope ofthe present disclosure will in no way be limited to the number ofconstituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, therelative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as anexample of embodiments of the present disclosure. A more completeunderstanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may beacquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicatelike features.

As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, asused in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearlydictates otherwise.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1a depicts an embodiment of an airconditioning (AC) device 100 of an AC system 300. An AC device may referto any apparatus capable of controlling the level of humidity,ventilation and/or temperature within a building or vehicle. Embodimentsof the AC device 100 may be a freestanding or centralized AC device 100,as exemplified in FIGS. 1a -3. In alternative embodiments, the AC device100 may be for example, a split system AC, heat pump, evaporativecooling devices, portable AC device, ductless mini-split system, windowinstallable or ceiling installable AC devices or any other AC deviceknown by those skilled in the art.

The AC device 100 may include a housing 101. The housing 101 may be anyrigid protective casing which may have an exposed exterior surfacecapable of protecting one or more moving pieces or delicate componentsstored therein. For example, the housing 101 of the AC device 100 mayprovide a rigid and protective casing to shield sensitive and/or movingcomponents within the interior of the AC device 100 including theexhaust fan 109, condenser 120 and the cooling coils 122. The housing101 may protect the interior components from being damaged by externalforces positioned outside of the housing 101, including inclementweather such as rain, snow, wind and excessive heat as well as dust anddebris generated by the surrounding environment. The housing 101 mayprevent or reduce accessibility and exposure of the components housedwithin the interior to contact by animals and humans. Embodiments of thehousing 101 may be constructed out of metals, metal alloys, galvanizedsheet metal, structural steel, aluminum or one or more plastics orplastic resins.

Embodiments of the AC device 100 may further comprise or be connected toa sensor device 103 capable of detecting the presence of an obstruction.Embodiments of the AC device 100 may include a single sensor device 103which may be equipped with one or more sensors positioned within thesensor device 103, or the sensors may be connected to the sensor deviceand placed in one or more varying positions along the exterior surfaceof the housing 101. In some embodiments, the sensors may be placedwithin the interior of the housing 101, for example within the exhaustvent 105 as shown in FIG. 2. In an alternative embodiment of the ACdevice 100, a plurality of sensor devices 103 may be attached orconnected to the AC device 100 and distributed to one or more locationson the exterior surface or interior cavity of the housing 101.Embodiments of the sensor device 103 may be defined as any apparatusthat responds to a physical stimulus, such as heat, light, sound,pressure, magnetism or a particular motion, and in response to thestimulus, the sensor device 103 transmits a resulting signal or impulsethat is capable of being measured by a recipient device, such as acomputer system 301.

Embodiments of the sensor device 103 may include one or more sensorsthat may respond to a physical stimulus that may result from anobstruction to the sensors. More particularly, in the exemplaryembodiment, the physical stimulus being measured by the sensors may bethe presence or absence of an AC device cover 201 of a covered AC device200 as shown in FIG. 2. In an alternative embodiment, the sensor device103 may also detect and measure the presence or absence of a physicalobstruction within the interior of the housing 101. For example, thesensor device 103 may detect the presence or absence of a foreign objector environmental debris lodged within the cavity forming the exhaustvent 105.

The sensor device 103 may, in some embodiments include one or moresensors working together or separately to identify various obstructions.For example, the sensor device 103 may include one or more classes ofsensors including an optical sensor, electro-optical sensor, opticalswitch, proximity sensor, motion sensor, acoustic sensor, mechanicalsensor environmental sensor, magnetic sensor or any other type of sensorthat may detect the presence or absence of a physical stimulus enteringor leaving a detection zone or area of the sensor.

Embodiments of optical sensors, electro-optical sensors and opticalswitches integrated into the sensor device 103 may convert light raysinto electric signals, thereby allowing for the measurement of aphysical quantity of light than can be translated into a form that isreadable by an instrument, such as the sensor device 103 or an attachedcomputer system. Embodiments of the optical sensors, electro-opticalsensors and optical switches may include a trigger that may react to achange or alteration to the signal being emitted by the optical orelectro-optical sensor. When a measurable change occurs to the light raybeing emitted, the optical or electro-optical sensor may operate as aphotoelectric trigger and either increase or decrease an electricaloutput which may be sent to the separate instrument translating thesignals received by the sensors. In the exemplary embodiment, theinstrument measuring the output of the optical or electro-opticalsensors may be a computer system 301, such as the thermostat computingdevice depicted in FIGS. 4a -4 b.

In alternative embodiments, instead of using optical sensors andswitches to measure and respond to changes in physical stimulusinteracting with the AC device 100, the sensor device 103 may beequipped with a proximity sensor that may be capable of detecting thepresence of nearby objects without making any physical contact (such asa cover 201 placed over the AC device 100). A proximity sensor mayoperate by emitting an electromagnetic field or a beam ofelectromagnetic radiation (such as infrared). The proximity sensoridentifies changes in the field or a return signal. Different proximitysensors may be used depending on the type of obstruction intended to beidentified. For example a capacitive or photoelectric proximity sensormay be suitable for plastic targets whereas an inductive proximitysensor may be more suitable for a metal obstruction target.

An acoustic sensor on the other hand integrated as part of the sensordevice 103 may rely on the modulation of surface acoustic waves to sensephysical phenomenon or stimuli. Embodiments of the acoustic sensor maytransduce an electrical signal input into a mechanical wave and then maytransduce the wave back into an electrical signal, whereby changes inamplitude, frequency and time-delay between the input and outputelectrical signals can be used to measure the presence or absence of aphysical stimuli or phenomenon, such as the presence or absence of anobstruction, such as a cover or blockage.

In some embodiments of the sensor device 103, the sensor employed mayinclude mechanical sensors. Mechanical sensor class may include numerousdifferent types of sensors that may operate using various principles tosense mechanical quantities, either directly or indirectly. Mechanicalsensors may measure differences in various properties of the sensor andthe surroundings such as the stress, force, torque, acceleration, orposition of the sensor or sensor components (such as springs, plates,wire resistance, liquid or gases and the pressures they exert) when aforce, pressure or load displaces the sensor signals as a result of theobstruction.

Examples of mechanical sensors that may be employed to measure anddetect the presence of an obstruction to the AC device 100 may includestrain gauges (including metallic, wire, resistive, semiconductor andoptical fiber strain gauges), tactile sensors, force sensitive resistors(FSR sensor), accelerometers (for example: capacitive accelerometers,strain gauge accelerometers, variable inductance accelerometers,magnetic accelerometers, heated gas accelerometers, optical fiberaccelerometers, multi-axis accelerometers), pressure sensors (forexample: mechanical pressure sensors, bellows, diaphragm pressuresensor, membrane and plate sensors, piezo resistive pressure sensors,differential pressure sensors, capacitive pressure sensors, magneticpressure sensors, optoelectronic pressure sensors, Fabri-Perot opticalresonator, vacuum sensors), gyroscopes (mechanical, Coriolis force,optical, resonant fiber optic and coil optical fiber gyroscopes).

In some embodiments, magnetic sensors may be employed or incorporatedinto the sensor device 103. Magnetic sensors may include amicroelectromechanical (MEMS) device capable of detecting and measuringmagnetic fields. Magnetic sensors may electronically detect and measurechanges in voltage or resonant frequency in some embodiments. Inalternative embodiments, the magnetic sensors may measure mechanicaldisplacement using voltage sensing, frequency shift sensing or opticalsensing. For example a Lorentz-force-based MEMS sensor may rely onmechanical motion of the MEMS structure occurring due to the Lorentzforce acting on the current-carrying conductor in the magnetic field.The mechanical motion of the micro-structure may be sensed eitherelectronically or optically. The mechanical structure may be driven toits resonance frequency in order to obtain the maximum output signal. Insome embodiments, Piezo resistive and electrostatic transduction methodscan be used in the electronic detection. Displacement measurements mayalso be made optically using a laser source or LED source.

In some embodiments of the sensor device 103, the sensor device 103 mayinclude a range-finding sensor incorporated therein. Similar to theacoustic or sound sensors described above, the range finding sensor maydetect the presence of obstacles in the path of the sensor bypropagating sounds waves. These sound waves may bounce off of areflective surface and return to the sensor. The sensor device 103, orthe computer system 301 connected to the sensor device 103 may calculatethe amount of time it takes for the wave to return to the range findersensor. When an object is detected, such as the placement of a coverwhich may shorten the amount of time for the wave to return, the sensordevice 103 may become aware that the cover 201 has been placed over theAC device 100.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the sensor device 103 and the ACdevice cover 201 may include pairing sets of magnetic locks. Forexample, when the locks of the AC device cover 201 are paired with thesensor device 103, the locks magnetically bond. Sensors in the sensordevice 103 may detect the magnetic linkage and therefore detect thepresence of the AC device cover. Likewise, when the magnetic linkage isbroken between the AC device cover 201 and the sensor device 103, thesensor device 103 may detect the absence of the cover's obstruction. Insome embodiments, the sensor device 103 may include an object sensingcamera connected to the AC device 100, which may detect the presence ofan obstruction either alone or in conjunction with one or more sensorsdescribed above.

Embodiments of the sensor device 103 may be connected to or placed intocommunication with a computer system 301. In the exemplary embodiment300 the AC device 100 may be connected to the computer system 301 via ahardwired signal conduit 107. The signal conduit 107 may transmit one ormore signals between the sensor device 103 and the computer system 301,including data signals from sensor-based measurements and electricalsignals. The types of signals and data transmitted from the sensordevice 103 and the computer system 301 may vary depending on the numberand types of sensor being used by the sensor device 103. In someembodiments, signals may be continuously or intermittently transmitted.For example, some sensors may provide an initial “detection signal.” A“detection signal” may refer to a baseline signal emitted from thesensor or sensor device 103 for the purposes of comparison when thesignal is altered or changed in the presence of a stimulus. In someembodiments, the detection signal may transmitted to the computer system301. However in other embodiments, the detection signal may not betransmitted until after there has been an alteration or interruption tothe detection signal. Once the detection signal has been changed oraltered, the detection signal may be referred to as a “reportingsignal”. A “reporting signal” may refer to a signal that either directlyor indirectly detects the presence of an obstruction, such as theplacement of a cover 201 onto the AC device 100 or the presence of aforeign object covering or lodged within the AC unit 100. The reportingsignal may include the output from the sensor device 103 that istransmitted to the computer system 301 to inform the computer system 301of the presence of the obstruction.

In alternative embodiments, the signal conduit 107 transmitting outputsignals and data to the computer system 301 may be wireless, instead ofa hardwired conduit pictured in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. For example, thecomputer system 301 may include a wireless transmitter, receiver ortransceiver such as a wireless network interface controller 309 capableof emitting and receiving a wireless data signal 311. In someembodiments, the signals and data being transmitted wirelessly bystabling a wireless network between the sensor device 103 and thecomputer system 301. For example, the wireless network may beestablished using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), ZigBee,WiMax, light fidelity (Li-Fi), infrared or other wireless communicationprotocols known by those skilled in the art.

Referring to the drawing, FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b illustrate an embodimentof the computer system 301, integrated into embodiments of the AC system300, 500, 600. The computer system 301 may be any general purposecomputing system as described below and in FIG. 9 of this application insome embodiments. In other embodiments, the computer system 301 may be aspecialized computing system including specialized circuitry, modules,hardware and software. For example, as depicted in the drawings, thecomputer system 301 may be a computer system operating as a thermostat,which may not only detect and report the presence of an obstruction, butfurther allow a user to control the AC system 300, 500, 600 to regulatethe temperature and climate of the surrounding area connected to the ACsystem.

Embodiments of the computer system 301 may include one or more inputdevices 307 such as buttons, knobs, touch screen inputs, etc. As shownin the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 4a and 4 b, the input devices ofthe computer system may include one or more buttons of a thermostat. Thecomputer system 301 may further include an output device 303 such as adisplay device reporting parameters of the AC system 300, 500, 600. Theoutput device may include such parameters as the time, currenttemperature, desired temperature setting, fan settings, and anobstruction indicator 305. As shown in FIG. 4 a, the embodiment includesan obstruction indicator 305 that indicates a cover obstruction 306,whereas in FIG. 4 b, the embodiment of the computer system 301 indicatesthe absence of a cover obstruction 308. In some embodiments, thecomputer system 301 may not specifically identify the absence of acover; instead, the obstruction indicator 305 may be left blank as shownby the computer system 301 depicted in FIG. 3.

Embodiments of the computer system 301 may further comprise one or moreadditional modules. A “module” may refer to a hardware based module,software based module or a module may be a combination of hardware andsoftware. Embodiments of hardware based modules may includeself-contained components such as chipsets, specialized circuitry andone or more memory devices, while a software-based module may be part ofa program code or linked to the program code containing specificprogrammed instructions, which may be loaded in the memory device 515 ofthe computer system 301. A module (whether hardware, software, or acombination thereof) may be designed to implement or execute one or moreparticular functions or routines. Each AC system 300, 500, 600 describedherein may include an air conditioning module 503.

Embodiments of the air conditioning module 503 may include one or morecomponents of hardware and/or software program code for operating airconditioning system 300, 500, 600 settings including the temperaturesettings of a thermostat, sending and receiving sensor signals andreporting the presence of obstructions as a function of the sensorsignals received. For example, in some embodiments, the computer system301 may include a thermostat module 505, a sensor detection module 507and/or a reporting module 509.

Embodiments of the thermostat module 505 may translate user input datavia the input device 307 into one or more AC system outputs. Forexample, the thermostat module may send and receive data and commandsfrom the user input to initiate the AC device 100, adjust temperaturesettings, modulate fan controls and fan speeds. The thermostat module505 may also receive feedback from the AC device 100 regarding requeststo initiate the AC device 100 and whether or not the AC device 100 hasbeen initiated in response to user input or changes temperaturesettings. For instance, a user may decrease the temperature setting ofthe computer system 301 using one or more input devices 307. As thetemperature decreases below the ambient temperature of the surroundingenvironment, the thermostat module may send an initiation signal to theAC device 100 to turn on in order to reduce the measured temperature tothe desired temperature set by the user's input.

The sensor detection module 507 includes hardware, software or acombination of hardware and software loaded into the memory device 515of the computer system 507 allowing for the computer system 301 tocommunicate between with the sensor device 103 and the series of signalspropagated by the sensors of the sensor device 103, including an initialdetection signal setting the baseline signal of a sensor and a reportingsignal identifying alteration to the detection signal indicating thepresence of an obstruction. The sensor detection module 507 may in someembodiments send and receive data signals and signals propagated inresponse to physical stimuli detected by the sensor device 103,including for example changes in electrical voltage, electricalresistance, frequency of waves, amplitude of waves, timing of a returnwave, pressure increases, or any other measured physical response thatmay be measured by the sensor and transmitted to the computing system.Embodiments of the sensor detection module may also send requests to thesensor device 103 requesting the sensor device 103 initialize oractivate the sensors of the sensor device 103. In some embodiments, thesensor detection module 507 may further include an analytics enginecapable of correlating the sensor readings and measurements of thesensor device 103 and identifying the type of obstruction that hasoccurred.

Embodiments of the sensor detection module 507 may translate thedetection and reporting signals received by the sensor device 103 and inresponse convert the signals into programmable instructions, commands ortasks to be fulfilled by the computer system, thermostat module 505 andreporting module 509. For example, the thermostat module 505 may issuean initiation command to the AC device 100 to start the AC device inorder to reach a programmed temperature initiated by the user. However,upon the sensor detection module 507 receiving signal data or othersensor based information indicating the presence of an obstruction, thesensor detection module 507 may issue a programming instruction, task orother command to the thermostat module 505 to cease initiation andoperation of the AC device 100 to prevent damage or harm to thecomponents of the AC device 100 or the AC system 300, 500, 600.

Embodiments of the reporting module 509 may be responsible forreceiving, reporting and displaying parameters of the AC system 300,500, 600 on the output device 303 of the computer system 301. Forexample, the reporting module may display temperature information, fansettings, whether the AC device 500 is engaged and operating receivedfrom the thermostat module 505 and display them in a manner than can beread and understood by the user. Moreover, the reporting module mayfurther receive instructions and information from the sensor detectionmodule 507 regarding the presence (or absence) of an obstruction, thelocation of the obstruction, which sensors are identifying theobstruction and the reporting module 509 may even display on an outputdevice 303 of the computer system instructions for removing theobstruction from the AC device 100.

Referring to the AC system 500 of FIG. 5, in some embodiments, there maybe a plurality of sensor devices 103 a, 103 b . . . 103 n (hereinafterreferred to collectively as sensor devices 103) present in the ACsystem. Each of the sensor devices may be connected to an individual ACdevice 100, or a single AC device 100 may have a plurality of sensordevices 103 equipped thereon. The reference numbers with sub-letters andellipses, for example describing sensor device 103 a, 103 b . . . 103 nor signal conduit 107 a, 107 b . . . 107 n (hereinafter referred to as“signal conduits 107”) may signify that the embodiments are not limitedonly to the amount of elements actually shown in the drawings, butrather, the ellipses between the letters and the n^(th) element indicatea variable number of similar elements of a similar type. For instance,with regard to sensor devices 103 any number of a plurality of sensordevices 103 may be present including sensor device 103 a, sensor device103 b and a plurality of additional sensor devices up to the n^(th)number of sensor devices 103 n, wherein the variable “n” may representthe last element in a sequence of similar elements shown in the drawing.

As depicted in FIG. 5, each of the sensor devices 103 may transmitdetection signals, reporting signals including data signals ormeasurable output signals from the sensor devices 103 via the signalconduits 107 transporting each of the signals transmitted and receivedbetween the computer system 301 and each of the sensor devices connectedthereto. In some embodiments, an input/output (I/O) interface 520 maycontrol and direct the signals being transmitted and received to andfrom the signal conduits 107. An I/O interface 520 may refer anycommunication process performed between the computer system 301 and theenvironment outside of the computer system 301, for example the sensordevices 103 and AC device 100. Input may refer to the signals orinstructions sent to the computer 301 from a source outside of thecomputer system (for example: the sensor devices 103, sensors or ACdevice 100) while output may refer to the signals sent out from thecomputer system 301, for example to the sensor devices 103 and AC device100 and output device 303. Signals outputted by the computer system 301may include requests to initiate the AC device 100 when the desiredtemperature is less than the measured temperature, requests to terminatethe AC device 100's function when the desired temperature is equal to orless than the measured temperature, or requests to terminate the ACdevice 100 upon detection of an obstruction by the sensor devices 103.The signals, data and other information transmitted and received by thecomputer system 301 may be stored by one or more memory devices and maybe further transmitted to the AC module 503 for further processing.

In an alternative embodiment of FIG. 6, the signals being transmitted,received and stored by the computer system 301 and sensor devices 103may be sent and received wirelessly via one or more wireless signals 311a, 311 b . . . 311 n (hereinafter referred to collectively as “wirelesssignals 311”). A network controller interface 309 may regulate andcontrol the network of sensor devices 103 and the wirelesscommunications between the sensor devices 103 and the computer system301.

Method for Detecting and Reporting AC Obstruction

The drawings of FIGS. 7-8 represent embodiments of a method or algorithmthat may be implemented for detecting and reporting the presence of anobstruction to an air conditioner device in accordance with the airconditioning systems described in FIGS. 1a -6 using one or more computersystems as defined generically in FIG. 9 below, and more specifically bythe specific embodiments of FIG. 1a -6.

Embodiments of a method 700 for detecting and reporting the presence ofan obstruction to an air conditioner may begin at step 701. In step 701,a temperature setting may be selected on the computer system 301connected to the AC device 100 of the AC system 300, 500, 600. Step 701may be performed by a user providing input data using one or more of theinput devices 307 to select a desired temperature setting beingdisplayed by output device 303. In step 703, the thermostat module 505may save the selected temperature setting of step 701 and perform acomparative function in step 703 to measure whether the temperatureselected in step 701 is less than or equal to the temperature of thesurrounding environment being displayed on the output device 303.

If, during the temperature measurement and comparison of step 703, thetemperature setting selection is less than or equal to the currentlydisplayed temperature of the computer system 301 via the output device303, the method may proceed to step 705. In step 705, the AC deviceremains inactive and does not proceed to initiate. The thermostat module505 may periodically perform the comparison and measurement of step 703in some embodiments at predetermined intervals of time. In alternativeembodiments, the thermostat module 505 may re-perform step 703 when thecurrent temperature displayed by output device 303 changes from the lasttime the temperature setting was analyzed.

On the other hand, if in step 703, it is determined that the measuredtemperature being displayed by the AC system 300, 500, 600 is not lessthan or equal to temperature selected in step 700, the method 700 mayproceed to step 707. In step 707, the thermostat module 505 may transmitan initiation signal, via the computer system 301 to the AC device 100requesting the AC device to commence operation to reduce the currentlymeasured temperature to less than or equal to the temperature selectedin step 701.

Upon receiving the initiation signal transmitted in step 707, in step709 the AC device 100 receiving the initiation signal may proceed tostep 711. In step 711, the AC system may make a determination whether ornot the AC device 100 should perform the initiation step requested bythe computer system 301. In some embodiments, the AC device 100 may denyor abort the request to initiate the AC device 100 if there is anobstruction present in the AC system, such as a cover placed over the ACdevice 100, a foreign object covering the AC device 100 or a foreignobject has entered the interior section of the housing 101.

Embodiments of the method for detecting and reporting the presence of anobstruction in step 711 may be performed using additional steps of thealgorithm as described in FIG. 8 of the present disclosure. The steps ofthe method may differ depending on the type of sensors utilized by theAC system 300, 500, 600 and the sensor device 103. The obstructiondetection algorithm 711 may begin at step 801. In step 801, the ACsystem and more specifically, in some embodiments the sensor device 103may initialize or activate each sensor of the sensor device. In someembodiments, the sensor detection module 507 of computer system 301 maytransmit an initiation signal to the sensor device 301 instructing thesensor device to activate each of the sensors. The step ofinitialization or activation may occur by providing or switchingelectrical voltage to the sensor device 103 and the sensors of thesensor device. In alternative embodiments, the sensors may be mechanicalor passive in nature and therefore not require an initialization stepbecause the sensors may be continuously active.

In response to the initialization action of step 801, each of thesensors controlled and measured by the sensor device 103 may, in step803 establish a baseline detection signal for detecting an obstruction.The baseline detection signal may create a detection zone for eachsensor to identify an obstruction entering the detection zone of one ormore sensors. For example, an optical sensor may emit one or more beamsof light a particular distance from one another. The detection zone maybe considered the area wherein an obstruction enters the boundaries ofthe beams of light being emitted. In another example, an acoustic sensormay emit sound waves that may travel a particular distance and have aparticular height and width. The dimensions of the sound waves mayoperate as a detection zone because an obstruction entering the soundwave may disturb the wave and alter the baseline established, signalingto the sensor device that the environment surrounding the sensor haschanged.

Once a measureable baseline detection signal has been established, thesensor device 103 and the sensors equipped as part of the sensor devicemay, in step 805 make a determination whether or not the detectionsignal has been altered. The occurrence of an alteration to the baselinedetection signal established in step 803 may indicate a presence of anobstruction as the cause of the change in detection signal. For example,a force sensor may be placed on the top surface of the AC device. Theforce sensor may have an established electrical charge passing throughthe sensor as a function of the force pressing down on the force sensor.As a force presses down on the force sensor, the electrical resistancemay increase or decrease (depending on the configuration of the sensor)thus changing the electrical charge passing through the sensor. Thus,when a cover 201 is placed on top of the AC device 100, the top interiorsurface of the cover 201 may press against the force sensor, alteringthe electrical resistance, alerting the sensor to the presence of anobstruction. Alternatively, in another example, the housing 101 and thecover 201 may be equipped with mating magnetic locks. When the cover isnot present, the AC device may establish a baseline measurement of themagnetic field or linking between the two mate-able magnets. When thecover is present, the two magnets may mate and alter the baseline toaccount for the two magnets touching one another and locking together,thus altering the baseline detection signal of the unmated magnet on thehousing 101 once the cover magnet is mated together.

If, in step 805, the detection signal of the sensor device 103 does notdetect an alteration in the baseline detection signal, the method 711may proceed to step 807, wherein the sensor device 103 does detect thepresence of a cover or blockage. Subsequently, the method 700 mayproceed back to step 803 and the sensor device 103 may continue tomaintain the baseline detection signal until either the detection signalis altered, indicating the presence of an obstruction, or the sensordevice is instructed to terminate operations.

If however, in step 805 the baseline detection signal established by thesensor device 103 is altered, the method for detecting and reporting thepresence of an obstruction may proceed to step 809, concluding that anobstruction has been detected. Once there has been a determination bythe AC system that an obstruction has been detected, in step 811 thesensor device 103 may convert the detection signal into a reportingsignal. The reporting signal may be a data signal that may be indicatingprogram instructions to the computer system 301, the sensor detectionmodule 507 or the reporting module 509. In some embodiments, thereporting signal may be an electric or mechanical signal being sent tothe computer system as a result of the alteration to the detectionsignal. For example, in an AC system where the alteration to thedetection signal is an increased electric charge, the reporting signalmay be considered the increased charge. The increased charge may bereceived and measured by the computer system 301 and more specificallythe sensor detection module 507 which may identify the increased chargeas an obstruction and instruct the reporting module 509 to output thepresence of an obstruction accordingly. Alternatively, the sensordetection module 507 may include specialized hardware such as atransistor or switch that may trigger when the reporting signal of theincreased electric charge is received as a result of the obstruction.

The reporting signal being transmitted from the sensor device 103 to thecomputer device 301 may occur in step 813. After receiving the reportingsignal from the sensor device 103, the computer system 301 may translatethe signal received using the sensor detection module 507 to confirm thepresence of the obstruction, identify the type of obstruction and/or thelocation of the obstruction at the AC device 100. Upon receipt of thereporting signal transmitted in step 813, in step 815, the computersystem 301 may further execute one or more commands, tasks orprogrammable instructions via the reporting module and/or sensordetection module 507 reporting the presence of the obstruction to theuser in step 713, by switching the reporting state presented by theobstruction indicator 305 of the output device 303 in step 815 from astate of unobstructed to a state of being obstructed. The Obstructionindicator 305 in some embodiments may display the presence of theobstruction on the output device 303, specifically identify the type ofobstruction, such as the presence of a cover or foreign object and/oridentify the location of the obstruction.

Referring back to FIG. 7, if the determination is made that anobstruction is present using the algorithm of step 711, the AC systemmay report the presence of the obstruction and display an alertregarding the presence of the obstruction by the output device 303 ofthe computer system 301. Concurrently, due to the presence of theobstruction and the risk of harming the AC system if the AC device 100is initiated while the obstruction is present, the AC system may proceedto inactivate the AC device in step 705, preventing the initiationsignal transmitted in step 707 to activate the AC device. However, if instep 711, the AC system determines that an obstruction has not beendetected, the algorithm may proceed to step 715, initiating the ACdevice into regular operation.

Computer System

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of acomputer system 900 that may be included in the system of FIGS. 1a -6 ascomputer system 301 and for implementing the methods of FIG. 7-8 inaccordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The computersystem 900 may generally comprise a processor 991, an input device 992coupled to the processor 991, an output device 993 coupled to theprocessor 991, and memory devices 994 and 995 each coupled to theprocessor 991. The input device 992, output device 993 and memorydevices 994, 995 may each be coupled to the processor 991 via a bus.Processor 991 may perform computations and control the functions ofcomputer 900, including executing instructions included in the computercode 997 for the detecting and reporting the presence of an obstructionto an air conditioner in the manner prescribed by the embodiments ofFIGS. 7-8 using the systems of FIG. 1a -6, wherein the instructions ofthe computer code 997 may be executed by processor 991 via memory device995. The computer code 997 may include software or program instructionsthat may implement one or more algorithms for implementing the methodsof detecting and reporting a presence of an obstruction in an airconditioning system, as described in detail above. The processor 991executes the computer code 997. Processor 991 may include a singleprocessing unit, or may be distributed across one or more processingunits in one or more locations (e.g., on a client and server).

The memory device 994 may include input data 996. The input data 996includes any inputs required by the computer code 997. The output device993 displays output from the computer code 997. Either or both memorydevices 994 and 995 may be used as a computer usable storage medium (orprogram storage device) having a computer readable program embodiedtherein and/or having other data stored therein, wherein the computerreadable program comprises the computer code 997. Generally, a computerprogram product (or, alternatively, an article of manufacture) of thecomputer system 900 may comprise said computer usable storage medium (orsaid program storage device).

Memory devices 994, 995 include any known computer readable storagemedium, including those described in detail below. In one embodiment,cache memory elements of memory devices 994, 995 may provide temporarystorage of at least some program code (e.g., computer code 997) in orderto reduce the number of times code must be retrieved from bulk storagewhile instructions of the computer code 997 are executed. Moreover,similar to processor 991, memory devices 994, 995 may reside at a singlephysical location, including one or more types of data storage, or bedistributed across a plurality of physical systems in various forms.Further, memory devices 994, 995 can include data distributed across,for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN).Further, memory devices 994, 995 may include an operating system (notshown) and may include other systems not shown in FIG. 9.

In some embodiments, the computer system 900 may further be coupled toan Input/output (I/O) interface and a computer data storage unit. An I/Ointerface may include any system for exchanging information to or froman input device 992 or output device 993. The input device 992 may be,inter alia, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. or in some embodiments the ACsystem sensor device 103 and the sensor device's reporting signal. Theoutput device 993 may be, inter alia, a printer, a plotter, a displaydevice (such as a screen or monitor of a thermostat or computer system),a magnetic tape, a removable hard disk, a floppy disk, etc. The memorydevices 994 and 995 may be, inter alia, a hard disk, a floppy disk, amagnetic tape, an optical storage such as a compact disc (CD) or adigital video disc (DVD), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), aread-only memory (ROM), etc. A bus may provide a communication linkbetween each of the components in computer 900, including input oroutput devices and may include any type of transmission link, includingelectrical, optical, wireless, etc.

An I/O interface may allow computer system 900 to store information(e.g., data or program instructions such as program code 997) on andretrieve the information from computer data storage unit (not shown).Computer data storage unit includes a known computer-readable storagemedium, which is described below. In one embodiment, computer datastorage unit may be a non-volatile data storage device, such as amagnetic disk drive (i.e., hard disk drive) or an optical disc drive(e.g., a CD-ROM drive which receives a CD-ROM disk).

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, in a first embodiment,the present invention may be a method; in a second embodiment, thepresent invention may be a system; and in a third embodiment, thepresent invention may be a computer program product. Any of thecomponents of the embodiments of the present invention can be deployed,managed, serviced, etc. by a service provider that offers to deploy orintegrate computing infrastructure with respect to detecting andreporting the presence of an obstruction to an air conditioning system.Thus, an embodiment of the present invention discloses a process forsupporting computer infrastructure, where the process includes providingat least one support service for at least one of integrating, hosting,maintaining and deploying computer-readable code (e.g., program code997) in a computer system (e.g., computer 900) including one or moreprocessor(s) 991, wherein the processor(s) carry out instructionscontained in the computer code 997 causing the computer system to detectthe presence of a cover or obstruction to an air conditioning device orsystem. Another embodiment discloses a process for supporting computerinfrastructure, where the process includes integrating computer-readableprogram code into a computer system including a processor.

The step of integrating includes storing the program code in acomputer-readable storage device of the computer system through use ofthe processor. The program code, upon being executed by the processor,implements a method of detecting and reporting the presence of a coveror other obstruction to an air conditioning system. Thus the presentinvention discloses a process for supporting, deploying and/orintegrating computer infrastructure, integrating, hosting, maintaining,and deploying computer-readable code into the computer system 900,wherein the code in combination with the computer system 900 is capableof performing a method for detecting and reporting the presence of acover or other obstruction to an air conditioning system.

A computer program product of the present invention comprises one ormore computer readable hardware storage devices having computer readableprogram code stored therein, said program code containing instructionsexecutable by one or more processors of a computer system to implementthe methods of the present invention.

A computer program product of the present invention comprises one ormore computer readable hardware storage devices having computer readableprogram code stored therein, said program code containing instructionsexecutable by one or more processors of a computer system to implementthe methods of the present invention.

A computer system of the present invention comprises one or moreprocessors, one or more memories, and one or more computer readablehardware storage devices, said one or more hardware storage devicescontaining program code executable by the one or more processors via theone or more memories to implement the methods of the present invention.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product at any possible technical detail level of integration.The computer program product may include a computer readable storagemedium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereonfor causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, oreither source code or object code written in any combination of one ormore programming languages, including an object oriented programminglanguage such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programminglanguages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programminglanguages. The computer readable program instructions may executeentirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as astand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partlyon a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. Inthe latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user'scomputer through any type of network, including a local area network(LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to anexternal computer (for example, through the Internet using an InternetService Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including,for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gatearrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute thecomputer readable program instructions by utilizing state information ofthe computer readable program instructions to personalize the electroniccircuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of theorder noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

While embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinfor purposes of illustration, many modifications and changes will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claimsare intended to encompass all such modifications and changes as fallwithin the true spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for detecting and reporting a presenceof an obstruction to an air conditioning system comprising the steps of:receiving, by a sensor device connected to the air conditioning systemand a central processing unit (CPU), a request to initialize a sensor ofthe sensor device; establishing, by the sensor device, in response tothe request to initialize, a baseline detection signal furtherestablishing a detection zone; identifying, by the sensor device, analteration to the baseline detection signal within the detection zone;transmitting, by the sensor device, a reporting signal to the CPU,wherein the reporting signal switches a reporting state of an outputdevice from unobstructed to obstructed.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprises the steps of: receiving, by the sensor device, aninitiation signal from the CPU, to initiate the air conditioning device;and preventing, by the sensor device, initiation of the air conditioningdevice in the obstructed reporting state.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein the sensor is selected from the group consisting of an opticalsensor, mechanical sensor, magnetic sensor and proximity sensor.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the alteration of the detection signal occursby blocking the detection signal of an optical sensor being emitted withan air conditioning device cover.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein thealteration of the detection signal occurs due to a blockage within anexhaust vent of the air conditioning system blocking the detectionsignal of the sensor.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the reportingsignal produces an increased electrical voltage transmitted to the CPUthat is greater than an electrical voltage of the baseline detectionsignal.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing at leastone support service for at least one of creating, integrating, hosting,maintaining, and deploying computer-readable program code in a computersystem, where the computer-readable program code in combination with thecomputer system is configured to implement the steps of receiving,emitting, identifying, converting and transmitting.
 8. A computersystem, comprising: a central processing unit (CPU); a memory devicecoupled to the CPU; an air conditioning device having a sensor devicecoupled to the CPU and a computer readable storage device coupled to theCPU, wherein the storage device contains program code executable by theCPU via the memory device to implement a method for reporting a presenceof an obstruction to the air conditioning device comprising the stepsof: receiving, by a sensor device connected to the air conditioningsystem and a central processing unit (CPU), a request to initialize asensor of the sensor device; establishing, by the sensor device, inresponse to the request to initialize, a baseline detection signalfurther establishing a detection zone; identifying, by the sensordevice, an alteration to the baseline detection signal within thedetection zone; transmitting, by the sensor device, a reporting signalto the CPU, wherein the reporting signal switches a reporting state ofan output device from unobstructed to obstructed.
 9. The system of claim8, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: receiving, by thesensor device, an initiation signal from the CPU, to initiate the airconditioning device; and preventing, by the sensor device, initiation ofthe air conditioning device in the obstructed reporting state.
 10. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the sensor is selected from the groupconsisting of an optical sensor, mechanical sensor, magnetic sensor andproximity sensor.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the alteration ofthe baseline detection signal occurs by blocking the baseline detectionsignal of an optical sensor being emitted with an air conditioningdevice cover.
 12. The system of claim 8, wherein the alteration of thedetection signal occurs due to a blockage within an exhaust vent of theair conditioning system blocking the baseline detection signal of thesensor.
 13. The system of claim 6, wherein the reporting signal producesan increased electrical voltage transmitted to the CPU that is greaterthan an electrical voltage of the baseline detection signal.
 14. Thesystem of claim 6, wherein the step of transmitting the reporting signaloccurs via a wireless network connection.
 15. A computer program productcomprising: a computer-readable storage device; and a computer-readableprogram code stored in the computer-readable storage device, thecomputer-readable program code containing instructions that are executedby a central processing unit (CPU) of an air conditioning systemimplementing a method for reporting a presence of an obstruction to anair conditioning device, the method comprising the steps of: receiving,by the air conditioning system, a request to initialize a sensor of asensor device; establishing, by a sensor of the air conditioning system,in response to the request to initialize, a baseline detection signalfurther establishing a detection zone; identifying, by the airconditioning system, an alteration to the baseline detection signalwithin the detection zone; switching, by the air conditioning system, areporting state of an output device from unobstructed to obstructed as afunction of the identifying step.
 16. The computer program product ofclaim 15, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: receiving,by the air conditioning system, an initiation signal to initiate the airconditioning device; and preventing, by the air conditioning system,initiation of the air conditioning device in the obstructed reportingstate.
 17. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein the sensoris selected from the group consisting of an optical sensor, mechanicalsensor, magnetic sensor and proximity sensor.
 18. The computer programproduct of claim 15, wherein the alteration of the baseline detectionsignal occurs by blocking the detection signal of an optical sensorbeing emitted with an air conditioning device cover.
 19. The computerprogram product of claim 15, wherein the alteration of the baselinedetection signal occurs due to a blockage within an exhaust vent of theair conditioning system blocking the detection signal of the sensor. 20.The computer program product of claim 15, wherein the step of switchingoccurs by transmitting a reporting signal having an increased electricalvoltage transmitted to the CPU that is greater than an electricalvoltage of the baseline detection signal.